Songs

Eduardo Coutinho's 2011 Brazilian documentary consists of interviews with eighteen people. Each chooses a song that carries meaning in their life, explains why they chose it, and then sings it. It was shot in a single space, on a bare stage. There is no set, no accompaniment and no camera movement; the narrative rests entirely on the face and voice of the person speaking. Coutinho was known in documentary for using the interview as his only method. The songs open the door to memory, and accounts of death, separation and migration emerge from behind the choices. Who it's for: those who like interview-based documentary and Brazilian music. Who it's not for: viewers expecting visual variety; the film stays on the same stage throughout.